FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What time does the library open?
The library is open five days a week. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays, but is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3.00pm to 5.00pm, on Wednesdays there are two sessions: 10.00am - 1.00pm and 3.00pm - 6.00pm, and Fridays 10.00am - 1.00pm and 3.00pm - 5.00pm. On Saturdays the library is open from 9.00am - 12noon. Photocopying, Laminating, Internet, Word Processing and closed circuit TV (for the practically blind) services are available during library hours at the Library and Community Centre.
Can I return my books outside these times?
Yes, books, videos, tapes and other items can be returned outside these times. There is a return chute in the library door near the staff entrance door and for after hours use it is very well lit.
Where is the library?
The library is located in Meara Place between the Senior Citizens Building and the FE Logan Hall. There is a ramp entry for ease of access.
What does it cost to join the library?
The library is free to Shire rate payers, and a $25.00 refundable bond applies for non-ratepayers.
Are Internet and email services provided?
Internet and email services are available at the Library, during library hours. It is advisable to ring the library (46974223) or administration office (46974222) to make a booking for a 45 minute block.
What time does the pool open?
The pool is open during the swimming season (September-March) as follows:
Monday - Friday: 6.30am to 8.00am and 12noon to 6.30pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10.00am – 6.00pm
Public Holidays: 1.00pm – 5.00pm
Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday
How much does it cost to go to the pool?
Under 5 Years - No Charge;
Children/School Students/Pensioners - $1.50 per Session/$37.50 per Season;
Adults - $2.00 per Session/$50.00 per Season;
Family Concessional - $75.00 per Season (These fees are including GST).
What times does the tip open?
Council operates three(3) tips, at Mackie Road, Pilton, Toowoomba-Karara Road, Leyburn and Logan Road, Clifton.
• The Pilton tip is locked and accessible by Shire residents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (contact the office for a key).
• The Leyburn tip is locked and accessible by Shire residents 24 hours a day 7 days a week (contact the office for a key).
• The Clifton Tip is open 8.00am to 6.00pm Thursday to Tuesday. It is closed Wednesdays, Christmas Day and Good Friday.
• The Clifton Tip closes at 5.00pm during winter months, usually from May to August.
Can I subdivide my land?
Council's Planning Scheme regulates the subdivision of land, and sets certain minimum criteria as shown below. Check the link to the Planning Scheme for more details (search for the 'Reconfiguring a Lot Code' and the related performance criteria) or contact the CEO for more information.
| Strategic Plan Designation |
Maximum Frontage/Depth
Ratio |
Minimum Area |
| Residential/Township |
1:3 |
600m2 |
| Commercial |
1:3 |
200m2 |
| Industry |
1:3 |
1000m2 |
| Rural Residential |
50m |
none set |
|
Rural:
Plains
Uplands |
~ |
40 hectares
64 hectares |
Can I run a business from home?
Council's Planning Scheme allows home occupations to be run in the town and rural areas provided it is staffed by no more than 1 full time equivalent person who does not live on-site.
The use should not exceed 50 square metres of gross floor area (or 30% of the gross floor area), goods are not displayed or sold on the premises, an advertising sign not more than 0.5 square metres is erected, and the activities do not, in the opinion of the Council, cause a nuisance to residents in the area. The term does not include the use of premises for the purposes of a brothel.
The Planning Scheme has more details - Check the link on the left of this page for more details and search for the 'Home Based Business Code' and the related performance criteria or contact the CEO for more information.
Can I live in a caravan/garage while building my house?
Council may allow you to live in temporary accommodation while your dwelling is being built, but this is limited to a maximum of 6 months, and it is a pre-condition that a Development Permit is issued for the construction of the dwelling. You need to convince Council that an adequate potable water supply and improved waste disposal system (septic, enviro-cycle) etc is in place, and power is available.
What does not need a Development (Building) Permit?
Generally, fences, aviaries, and structures less than 10sq mt in areas do not require permits.
Does Council allow a removal house?
Council does allow removal houses, however a Bond will be required to ensure that the building is reinstated to an appropriate and habitable condition within a reasonable period of time. Bonds normally are valued at $15,000, and can be paid in cash or Bank Guarantee. If paid in cash, it will be refunded progressively at each stage of construction. Further details are available from the office.
How many dogs are allowed?
Council allows the keeping of two dogs within the Shire area. Application can be made to keep additional dogs where Council is satisfied that a nuisance will not be caused.
Do I have to register my dog?
Yes, if you live in the township area of Clifton or Nobby you must register your dog. Residents can keep two dogs and registration fees are $25 ($20.00 if paid before January 31, 2007) for each whole dog and $15 ($10.00 if paid before January 31, 2007) for each desexed dog, however guide dogs are able to be kept without any registration fee applying.
What can I do about a dog that constantly barks, wanders or attacks?
If a dog in your area is posing a problem contact the Council and our Animal Control Officer will investigate the matter and do his best to resolve the problem.
When is my garbage collected?
Refuse collections occur in the towns of Clifton and Nobby on each Monday morning. A wheelie bin is supplied by the contractor but please contact the Council to arrange a new service.
When can people start using lawn mowers, chain saws, etc
The State Noise Policy regulates when this type of equipment can be used in residential areas:
• Monday to Saturday – 7.00am to 6.00pm
• Sunday and Public Holidays – 8.00am to 4.00pm
I am looking for the burial place of a deceased relative?
Council has records of where people are buried in Shire cemeteries. Click here to conduct your own search.
Will Council undertake private works?
Yes, please contact Council's Works Manager by email, or phone (07) 46 974222 to obtain a quote, or unit rates.
Can Council clean up the overgrown allotment next door?
Where grass and other material poses a harbourage for vermin, Council will ask the owner to clear the allotment within 21 days. If the work is not done in that time, Council will require the work to be done by the owner, within 14 days, if still not done in this time period, Council will clear the lot and send the account to the owner for the costs.
Can I graze cattle on the side of the road?
Cattle can be grazed on State controlled and Shire controlled road reserves adjacent to the applicant's property, upon application to Council, and subsequent approval by Council. The permit is for a thirty day period, and fees apply (fees are waived should the Shire be drought declared).
Can I cut wood from the side of the road?
Council cannot give permission for wood to be cut from the side of the road. A permit is needed from the Department of Primary Industries. One DPI contact is Neil Jones in Warwick - 07 4661 6600.
What is Council's ABN?
55 753 676 490
How often is my water meter read?
Water meters are read annually, usually in the month of June. It is recommended that all consumers make regular checks of their meter reading as this may avoid losses due to otherwise undetected leaks of pipes and taps. Metric water meters register up to 10,000 kilolitres and then reset to zero. They display 6 while wheels – 4 with black numerals and 2 with red numerals.
How do I notify Council when I change my address?
You need to notify Council immediately when you change your address. Failure to do so could cause non-delivery of rate notices resulting in late payment of rates and loss of discount. If you want to do this now, please fill out the change of address form and lodge it electronically.
Do I get a discount for being a pensioner?
To be eligible for a pensioner rebate you must own the property in question and generally it must be your principal place of residence. You are eligible for a pensioner rebate if you have one of the cards described below:
• Pensioner Concession Card
• Veterans Affairs Pensioner Concession Card
• Repatriation Health Care for All Conditions
If you have a Department of Veterans Affairs 'Repatriation Health Card – For Specific Conditions' or the Department of Health's 'Health Benefits Card' you are unfortunately NOT eligible for rebate.
If a married couple own the property and live there and only one person is on the pension, you will still get the FULL rebate. If a mother and daughter own a property and the mother is on a pension, then only HALF the rebate will apply.
You need to contact the Council office and obtain an application form and fill it out and sent it back with a copy of your pension card. The State Government rebate to qualifying pensioners currently stands at 20% of rates and charges levied up to a maximum rebate of $180.00.
Can I get a discount off my rates?
Discount of 10% is allowed on all rates and charges levied, except fire levy and noxious weeds charges, when the total rates and charges including arrears and interest are paid ibefore the last date for discount.
Is interest charged on my rates if I cannot pay them on time?
Compounded interest at the rate of 11% per annum is charged on outstanding rates commencing thirty(30) days after the expiry of the due date (discount date).
How can I pay my rates?
Rates and charges may be paid by cash or cheque at Council's office, or through Bpay (contact your local bank / building society). Cheques and money orders should be made payable to the 'Clifton Shire Council' and forwarded to PO Box 74, Clifton, 4361.